During this holiday season, most citizens of San Diego spend their weekends shopping for gifts for family and friends. We are all under a great deal of pressure to get the best presents for everyone we know. Many people succumb to the stress and pressure. When they realize they don’t have the money to buy the gifts they so badly want to buy for their loved ones, they resort to stealing.

At Wallin & Klarich, during this time of year we typically get many calls from people arrested for shoplifting. This year has been no different. Most of our calls from people arrested at retail stores that sell electronic products. Each retailer has a staff of loss prevention officers. During this time of year, more and more loss prevention officers are needed, and they keep a watchful eye.

We hope you do not become one of those arrested for theft. If by chance you are accused of stealing at a retail store, here are some words to the wise:
– Exercise your right to remain silent – Do not provide anyone with a written statement – Do not speak with any retail employee about the situation – Do not speak with any law enforcement officer about the situation
Many people think that if they cooperate with the detectives and loss prevention officers, that they will be treated with lenience and they will not be arrested or taken to jail. This may or may not be the case. But when you talk, you are providing evidence against yourself. I think you will agree that it is better to go to jail for a night, then be charged with a felony burglary charge and end up facing years of prison.

If by chance you have been arrested or cited for stealing, theft, or burglary, you would be wise to speak to an experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer about your rights and about what lies ahead. If you have any questions, call Wallin & Klarich to speak to criminal defense lawyers who work in San Diego. You can also check us out at our website www.wklaw.com.